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Ivory figure, Democratic Republic of Congo, 1890-1930

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This small ivory figure is attributed to the Bahuana people of the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. It shows a woman in labour covering her ears with her hands. It is thought to be a protective amulet for women in childbirth, a time when both mother and baby are at risk.

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Glossary: statue

A sculpture in the round representing human or animal figures or small figure groups; a statuette is a smaller sculpture.

Glossary: traditional medicine

Used in the West for sets of health beliefs and practices that developed within the culture of a particular ethnic or geographic group of people, distinct from modern Western medicine. Commonly includes herbal and homeopathic remedies, religious or spiritual ritual, and an holistic approach to patients.

Glossary: amulet

Small object or piece of jewellery worn as a protecting charm to ward off ill health and bad luck.